U.S. paint brush manufacturers, the subject of Economist Adam Davidson’s latest column in the New York Times Magazine, have taken a hit since the economy crashed. Chinese competition has taken a chunk of their market, but these businesses have stayed alive through specialization. [The New York Times Magazine]

Charles Saatchi was caught choking his wife Nigella Lawson outside a restaurant. He voluntarily turned himself into the police for a “caution”. No charges have been pressed. [The Guardian]

New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman says the Le Corbusier show at MoMA is overwhelming thanks to its sheer size, but still finds the show riveting. Le Corbusier had some fascinating ideas, good and bad. [The New York Times]

The Metropolitan Museum of art will present Janet Cardiff’s “Forty-Part Motet” at the Cloisters this fall. This isn’t something anyone in the city should miss. [Met Museum via Brian Sholis]

Ai Weiwei Skyped with Laurie Anderson to create art. We are linking to the video record of the performance just so that you know how uninspiring hearing Ai Weiwei chat about China over drone music really is. Starts at 13:35. [Luminato Festival, via @aiwwenglish]

Now on view at Arsenal Gallery, Benson’s collaged paintings of Central Park playgrounds depict the now out of use playgrounds of post-Robert Moses Central Park. Laura Mallonee suggests that just calling attention to these parks is a step towards repairing them, making a better New York for inner-city children. [Hyperallergic]